Case study: Research and Development
Case study: Research and Development
The ERALD Research Partnership
The End of Renewable Asset Life Decisions (ERALD) research partnership between Bluefield and Lancaster University has focused on creating greater circularity within the solar industry.
This award-winning project was conducted over two stages, first considering the viability of materials passports on solar farms, followed by a broader project analysing circularity within the industry which produced a roadmap and whitepaper highlighting areas for future research, innovation, and collaboration.
View the roadmap and whitepaper
ERALD overview
2
Stage research partnership
25%
Partially funded by Bluefield Solar
Yelvertoft
Trailled Materials Passports
10
Industry Recommendations
Striving for circularity
In 2024, Bluefield formed a research partnership with Lancaster University aimed at finding solutions for managing end-of-life practices in the solar industry and promoting circularity in this field.
This initiative led to the creation of the End of Renewable Asset Life Decisions (ERALD) research partnership. The project was led by Georgia Whitehouse of the ESG team and received partial funding from the Bluefield Solar Income Fund (BSIF), for which Bluefield Partners LLP serves as the Investment Adviser.
The first phase of this project considered the viability of materials passports when applied to a new-build solar farm. Utilising the 50-megawatt Yelvertoft solar farm, part of the BSIF portfolio, as a test case, the project considered means of tracking and understanding the resources and components utilised throughout the solar farm.
Phase two of the project took a broader view of the solar industry, engaging with over thirty separate stakeholders from across the value chain to understand industry practices and identify opportunities to improve circularity. The research yielded a white paper and a 10-step roadmap of recommendations, including areas such as re-use, recycling, and policy engagement.
These findings were presented to the industry during an event at the House of Lords in London in the summer of 2025.
Read more about The ERALD Project
The ERALD project marks a pivotal step in redefining how solar assets are managed at end-of-life. By shifting from linear to circular thinking, we can unlock new efficiencies, reduce waste and create lasting value across the sector.
